Benzoin is a resin derived from Styrax trees, appearing as irregular brittle lumps with a distinctive aroma. This article covers visual identification, medicinal parts, traditional understanding, modern research, differences from storax and frankincense, common formulas, and usage precautions, offering a comprehensive reference for overseas Chinese readers.
Musk is a prized traditional Chinese medicine derived from the secretion of the male musk deer’s scent sac. Modern preparations mostly use synthetic musk. This article provides an overview of its identification features, medicinal parts, traditional Chinese medicine understanding, formula applications, and precautions, helping readers objectively understand this unique medicinal material.
Lotus plumule is the green young leaf and radicle inside a mature lotus seed, traditionally used to clear the heart and calm the mind. This article introduces its appearance, identification, medicinal part, differences from lotus seed and bamboo leaf, and outlines common formulas such as Qingxin Lianzi Yin and usage precautions.
Zhuli is a pale yellow liquid obtained by heating bamboo stems, traditionally used to clear heat and resolve phlegm. This article introduces the identifying features, medicinal source, differences from Zhuru, and common formulas such as Zhuli Datan Wan, along with usage precautions to help readers understand this Chinese herbal medicine.
Platycodon grandiflorus is the dried root of the balloon flower plant, traditionally used in Chinese medicine to diffuse the lungs, benefit the throat, expel phlegm, and drain pus. This article covers its identification features, medicinal parts, differences from Codonopsis and Adenophora, and common formulas containing it, helping readers correctly understand this Chinese herb.
Qian Hu is derived from the dried root of Peucedanum praeruptorum and is a commonly used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for respiratory support. This article provides a clear reference for readers who want to understand Qian Hu, covering its visual identification, the medicinal part, traditional understanding, formula examples, and precautions for use.
Bai Qian is a commonly used Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried rhizomes and roots of Cynanchum stauntonii or Cynanchum glaucescens. Its slender shape, distinct nodes, and clustered fibrous roots are key identification features. This article provides a practical overview of Bai Qian, covering its identification, medicinal parts, traditional uses, and classic formulas to help readers build a foundational understanding.
Stemonae Radix is the dried tuberous root of Stemona sessilifolia, Stemona japonica, or Stemona tuberosa. This article covers identification points, the medicinal part, differences from Asparagi Radix and Ophiopogonis Radix, as well as common formulas like Zhisou San and key precautions, helping you understand this Chinese herb objectively.
Zi Wan is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb derived from the dried root and rhizome of Aster tataricus. This article helps you systematically understand Zi Wan through appearance identification, medicinal parts, TCM applications, differences from Kuan Dong Hua, common formulas, and usage precautions.
Coltsfoot flower comes from the dried flower buds of Tussilago farfara, a plant in the Asteraceae family. Traditionally used to moisten the lungs, direct qi downward, stop coughing, and transform phlegm, this article explores its appearance, medicinal part, how it differs from purple aster, commonly used formulas like Belamcanda and Ephedra Decoction, and important safety considerations.
What is loquat leaf? It is the dried leaf of Eriobotrya japonica, a plant in the Rosaceae family, and must be used after brushing off the fuzz on the underside. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is commonly used to clear lung heat, stop cough, direct rebellious qi downward, and stop vomiting. This article explores its physical characteristics, medicinal part, differences from mulberry leaf, common formulas, and more, helping readers understand this medicinal herb scientifically while providing usage precautions to avoid misuse.
Sang Bai Pi comes from the dried root bark of the mulberry tree, sharing the same origin as mulberry leaf and mulberry fruit. This article outlines its twisted, tubular appearance, processing methods, traditional uses for purging the lung and promoting diuresis, and how it differs from Digupi. It also introduces common formulas such as Xiebai San and Wupi Yin, while reminding readers to consider individual conditions before use.
Bitter apricot seed (Kuxingren) comes from the mature seeds of Prunus armeniaca var. ansu and related species, distinct from sweet almonds used for food. This article introduces its physical characteristics, medicinal parts, TCM logic, and common formulas like Maxing Shigan Tang, while addressing safety concerns regarding amygdalin to help overseas users build correct awareness.
Zi Su Zi is the mature fruit of the labiate plant Perilla frutescens, and its medicinal part differs from perilla leaf and perilla stem. This article will cover the appearance characteristics, harvesting and processing methods, how to distinguish it from white mustard seed and radish seed, and sort out common formulas such as Suzi Jiangqi Decoction. It will also remind you of key usage points for those with loose stools or special constitutions.
Tinglizi is a traditional Chinese medicine derived from the mature seeds of Descurainia sophia or Lepidium apetalum, classified into sweet and bitter types. This article introduces its appearance, medicinal part, the differences between sweet and bitter Tinglizi and Plantago seeds, classic formulas, and precautions, helping to establish a basic understanding.
